Nigeria Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth N323 Million, Arrests Five Suspects In Kebbi.
The Kebbi State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing fight against smuggling, seizing contraband goods valued at N323 million. This was announced during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi by the Customs Area Comptroller, Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, who provided details on the command’s achievements for the third quarter of 2024.
Among the confiscated items were 367 bales of secondhand clothing, 16,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 74 cartons of assorted medicaments, and eight bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg. Other seized goods included 180 pieces of donkey skin packed in nine sacks, two litres of oxidised nitric acid in 35kg containers, and two vehicles – a DAF truck and a Toyota Corolla – used to transport the illegal items.
Ernest-Ojike revealed that five suspects had been apprehended in connection with the contraband seizures and were currently out on administrative bail, pending further investigation and trial. He emphasised that the command’s actions were in line with the provisions of the constitution.
The Area Comptroller praised the efforts of his officers and the collaborative support from sister agencies and well-meaning citizens, which were instrumental in securing the seizures. “The combined duty paid value of the seized items stands at N323,065,567,” he noted, adding that intelligence sharing played a crucial role in the success.
In accordance with official procedures, the command will hand over 180 pieces of donkey skin to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, and the 74 cartons of medicaments will be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ernest-Ojike also highlighted the command’s contribution to revenue generation, having collected N36.2 million during the period under review, despite facing challenges such as low volume of imports through the Kamba border, the state’s only official entry point.
These efforts align with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi, which focuses on consolidation, innovation, and collaboration in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities.
